HannahWhittenly

We've all heard the words "reduce, reuse, recycle" as a mantra for going green. Most people say they support it, but when it comes to actually applying it to your own life, we all tend to fall short. The most common reason people don’t keep up a greener home is because they aren't sure how. The majority of us would like to be more eco-friendly, but consider it to be too difficult or just don't know where to begin. Here are three cost effective and simple ways to make your home greener today! Change your Heating Methods It takes a lot of energy to heat and cool a home, and paying for it can get pretty pricey. Ceiling fans have become a fairly common and cheaper alternative to cooling homes during the summer, but a lot of people don't know they can also be used in the winter. Warm air rises, so running the ceiling fan in reverse helps to circulate the warm air throughout. Another energy efficient way to heat your home is via a boiler. Boilers use a pump to distribute hot water, or steam, through pipes in the baseboards. Using a boiler to heat your home saves energy and money. A supplier of used boilers like Nationwide Boiler might be able to get you a discount which can save you more money. Use Sunlight to your Advantage The summer sun can easily make your home stiflingly hot. A good way to keep the sun out is to use blackout curtains. These curtains come in many styles, but all provide much needed insulation. You can keep the curtains closed during the summer to block out the heat, and leave them open in the winter to let more in. This natural method of controlling temperature will allow you to run your air conditioner and heater less frequently and at lower settings. Reduce your Waste Reducing the amount of garbage you are contributing to landfills is an excellent way to become more green. One way to do this is to start composting. This eliminates waste, while improving your garden. It is also a fun family activity. Another way to reduce your waste is to purchase beverages in glass containers. These containers can be recycled and reused around your home. Try not to look at everything you throw out as simple garbage. There are a lot of ways you can reuse and reduce your home waste. Making a greener home is easier than it seems. These methods are just some of the practical ways you can improve your home by reducing, reusing, and recycling. Modifying your lifestyle to be more eco-friendly is a wonderful way to benefit the planet and your bank account.

Coal mining has changed in many areas since the early days of commercial mining and certainly from the old boom town days of the late 1800’s. New technology and new philosophies make underground mining faster and easier than ever before. But there is a limit to how much coal is available for people to use for energy. The modern market for coal reflects these facts, and the processes used today make coal accessible and appropriate for the needs of modern society. Corrosion Resistant Metals Corrosion resistant metals will play a huge role in the future of the mining industry. Corrosion refers to the process by which metals are oxidized based on chemical reactions. Metals that resist corrosion are valuable for mining, and inside the depths of the mines, metals corrode easily over time due to all the elements that comprise the coal mines. These metals will allow workers to continue extracting coal for longer periods of time without having to replace their tools so often. Recently in Weir Minerals Africa, slurry valves were replaced with corrosion resistant valves and have benefited from less leakage and rapid wear. Proximity Detection Proximity detection technology allows mining companies to keep track of the resources and the people they work with at all times. When a person or object is in the path of a machine, an alert will go off inside the machine. This can save lives in addition to keeping the machine focused on the real targets of the operation. Proximity detection will save time and money, and has helped everyone stay safer inside the mines so far. Ceramic Mineral Processing Technology Ceramic mineral processing uses some of the newest technology to create dense ceramic components for machine parts. Companies like Ceramic Technology Inc. provide ceramic fabrications and mineral process equipment which now line mine processing machinery, reducing noise. This means the companies save time and money with improved, cleaner, and safer operations. And won’t have to use pressure machines like previous generations did. Coal mining has evolved tremendously over the years. The days of dangerous mining are now almost completely gone as miners are safer and better protected than ever with the new technology open to them. The work is now more efficient and the evolution of the mining industry has forever changed the way people participate in and view the collection of coal and other resources.

If you’ve kept up with the trends in electricity savings, then you must know that solar energy is one of the most popular outlets available. Unfortunately, a partial or full switch to solar mechanisms can cost thousands of dollars, so loans and financing play a vital role in the affordability of solar panels. Here, you will learn the four most popular methods of solar financing to ensure a steady, reliable source of savings and electricity. Solar Lease/PPA Getting a solar lease is by far the most popular method of financing solar panels. In this practice, a solar energy company will install solar panels on your property. However, the company will be the rightful owners of the panels and mechanisms involved. This means that they will be entitled to the 30% federal tax credit involved. This does even out on your part because they will be responsible for paying maintenance, audits, and other routine procedures that would normally be charged to the homeowner instead. Every month, you will pay the solar provider a preset amount; the volume of energy produced will not affect the payment in any way, it is essentially concrete. A power purchase agreement follows the exact same guidelines, with the exception of a preset monthly fee. With a PPA, you will be charged according to how much energy is produced by the panels. Home Equity Loans A home equity loan is another option of finance available to solar seekers. If you choose this route, you will establish a structured loan with your property as collateral. This will reduce its equity. On the bright side, with the right loan structure, savings with this practice are almost immediate, as many homeowners tend to save more on electricity than what they pay for a loan monthly. Energy-Efficient Mortgage The federal government offers EEMs, which credit your home’s energy production based off solar power. EEMs differ from typical mortgage loans in that they usually require a home energy rater to perform an energy audit for your home before you can be approved. Once the official audit is completed, the lender will determine if your home is suitable for the efficiency it may offer, which will affect your payment through financing. Shared Solar A shared solar option is quickly growing in popularity for many homeowners wanting to make an energy switch. This is because the vast majority of homes cannot sustain the conditions necessary to produce solar energy. In this practice, a community or third-party owned solar arrangement is set in a suitable area, and the costs and savings are divided evenly among the owners. Assessing options carefully will provide the best outlet for solar financing. Every homeowner is different, and your unique conditions will obviously be the most important factor in determining your best course of action. With cautious consideration, you can afford solar energy and enjoy the benefits in the long run.

It is getting more and more difficult for eco-friendly people to vacation without guilt, consider the transportation impact and consumption required to get away from it all. Airplanes and cars use large amounts of fossil fuels, depleting limited resources and producing harmful emissions. This makes it especially important to preserve the natural environment of any destination you visit, as you are already in the red from an environmental standpoint when you begin the trip. The following are some useful tips for ways to go on a vacation without compromising on your ideals about sustainability and the environment. Transportation Following the logic from the introduction, airplanes are particularly problematic modes of transport, but there are issues with trains and buses as well. If you are traveling by car, choose a hybrid that uses electricity for at least part of its power. That will be an improvement over an old-style fossil fuel only car. Next, if you are traveling by plane, see if you can purchase carbon offset credits. Many airlines permit this: they allow passengers to put money towards carbon-reducing initiatives to compensate for the carbon they put into the atmosphere during the flight. Accommodations Seek out sustainable hotels and places to stay. Some hotel websites like Travelocity allow you to search for green hotels, but it might be better to stay at an explicitly sustainable location, such as an eco-tour with included accommodations. The sustainability of where you stay will depend on where you are going, because some locations and regions are more open to sustainability than others. Activities There are some activities that are clearly more sustainable than others. Hiking is much better than staying at a large resort, for example. Beyond that simple dichotomy, there are some good general guidelines to follow for making sure your activities are environmentally friendly. First, buy local. Goods and products from big chains had to be transported to the area rather than being produced locally, so their production is less sustainable. Next, look for local green businesses. Not all local business will be green-friendly, so you should try to do the best you can and find the most sustainable sources in the local community. Finally, seek out attractions created with sustainability in mind. Ecotourism destinations like Shallotte River Swamp Park provide excellent vacation spots for the sustainable traveler. Seek out these environmentally-friendly attractions so you can enjoy nature without endangering it. If you follow these suggestions, then you will be much more comfortable with your vacations, because they will be friendly to sustainability and local communities. Simply use common sense to decide on the best green alternatives.

The American Council for an Energy-Efficient Economy and GreenerCars.org have established a ranking system for the greenest cars for 2015. The list provides consumers with the lowdown on the most environmentally conscious models currently on the market. While each manufacturer offers a number of individualized options, the list serves as a starting point for consumers. Nissan Leaf The compact five-door hatchback comes equipped with an automatic transmission, an 80kW electric motor and a 24kW lithium-ion battery that runs up to 100 miles on a full charge. The Leaf offers 24-cubic feet of cargo space, which expands when folding down the rear seats. Additional features include automatic climate control, around view monitoring system, a navigation system, intelligent keyless entry and push button start. The 2015 model comes in S, SV and SL styles and lists for $29,010. Toyota Prius C The 2015 hatchback hybrid continues offering a 1.5L gasoline engine and an AC synchronous electric motor, which function independently or in combination. The Prius still gets an impressive 53mpg/city and 46mpg/highway. Options vary depending on which of four model choice consumers select. Features include automatic climate control, Bluetooth phone controls, cruise control, push-button start, backup camera and a 6.1-inch touch-screen display with USB input. The Prius C lists for $20,300 to $25,300. Smart For Two Electric Drive With a tight turning radius and the ability to park just about anywhere, the Smart For Two electric version comes with a 55kW motor and an automatic transmission. Available in hatchback or convertible styles, the 2015 model promises 68miles per charge on the vehicle's 17.6kW lithium-ion battery. Recharging takes approximately six hours if using a 240-volt outlet and 20 hours on a 110-volt plug-in. The ultimate mini-commuter lists for $25,000 - $28,000. Fiat 500e The little Italian hatchback features room for up to four passengers, comes equipped with seven airbags, a navigation system, Bluetooth communication and Sirius radio. The 83kW electric motor goes up to 87 miles on a full charge. The Fiat also has a single-speed transmission. The California 500e lists for $31,800. Subaru Outback 2.5i Premium The 2015 Subaru Outback ranked in the top five overall scoring green cars of the 2015 AAA Green Car Guide, making this compact SUV one of the greenest options on the market for the average car buyer. An expert with Findlay Subaru in St George says the 2015 Outback has been awarded the highest possible safety rating by the Insurance Institute for Highway safety, making this SUV as safe as it is green. Chevy Spark EV Proudly American made, the Spark EV features a 100kW electric motor that offers 140hp and a 18kW lithium-ion battery that lasts up to 82 miles when fully charged. The charging time varies from 20 minutes on a DC fast charging unit, seven hours on 240-volt outlets or 20 hours on 120-volts. Some of the many features include heated front seats, Bluetooth, OnStar, MyLink Infotainment and Sirius radio. The all-electric vehicle sold by GM lists for $31,800. Volkswagen e-Golf The e-Golf is new to the Volkswagen line-up for 2015. The two-door hatchback features an AC synchronous electric motor that has 115 hp and a battery pack capable of running up to 83 miles. Charging is accomplished using a 240-volt outlet or a DC fast-charging station. Available in East Coast and West Coast states, the e-Golf lists for $35,445. BMW i3 As many potential electric vehicle owners express concern over having a mere 80-mile capacity, BMW additionally offers the option of having a gas engine that functions as a generator, which doubles the range of the i3. There are three models available with a choice of a DC fast charging port, heated seats, ConnectedDrive synchronization, the Comfort Access System, keyless entry and leather-and-wool interiors. The upscale hybrid lists for $41,350. According to the U.S. Energy Information Administration, in 1995, there were a mere 250,000 alternative fuel vehicles available. By 2011, that number exploded to more than 11 million. The options of environmentally friendly vehicles continues expanding and becoming more competitive. Today's choices include electric, diesel, hydrogen and hybrid powertrains. Additionally, every year manufacturers include more features and upgrades in attempts at attracting new buyers.

The United States discards a huge amount of waste material every minute, and developing countries aren’t far behind. Some brilliant minds have been able to see piles of refuse as potential income and useful materials, from companies like Lakeshore Recycling to home decorators reusing old fabrics. People everywhere are willing to come up with ways to turn trash into treasure. Recycling is sustainable and profitable, benefiting entrepreneurs around the world and the planet. These developing worlds have been able to use recycling to make their country more sustainable one garbage can at a time. Mexico In developing countries, waste recycling starts at street level. In fact, one percent of the urban populations in developing countries make their living picking up trash. Mexico City has a gigantic trash problem, about 12,000 tons of solid waste per day. One of the worst offenders in plastic bottles. Mexico was found to be the second largest consumer of polyethylene terephthalate bottles, and the city found providing nice blue recycling bins was not empowering the venture and has turned to other means to help get sustainable. Rethinking incentives, the city set up a vast farmers' market named Mercado del Trueque; and true to citizen values, featured barter. Trash and recyclable waste were exchanged for 'green point' vouchers based on weight. More than 3,000 families showed up with bags of trash on opening day, exchanging it for vouchers to spend on fresh vegetables at the farmers' market. It’s a unique idea to get more citizens involved in recycling and appealing to what would work in their lives. Philippines In the Philippines, events started out a bit less controlled than Mexico City's project, but soon gained speed. Payatas is one of the most impoverished parts of Manilla, with almost 40 percent of residents unemployed. Rotting waste reeked about the disposal facility, and people dug out nuggets of junk to sell at scavenger shops. Food waste was unearthed and sold to pig farms. Today the disposal facility is operated by a private manager helping with the Payatas Alliance Recycling Exchange. The ugly landscape of waste material has been dozed over and seeded for a park. Bio vents line the mound, exuding gasses from decomposing waste, used to fire an electricity generator. This generator powers electricity to light the streets of Payatas and a workshop for citizens. Three thousand former scavengers are now employed at the waste recycling facility, integrating the formerly unemployed and junk shop owners into a productive work force moving waste, and improving living conditions at the same time. Egypt Electronic waste is a huge dilemma in most countries, as everyone wants to purchase the latest technology and don’t know how to dispose of old models. In Egypt, it is discarded everywhere. Electronic waste, or E-waste as it’s been termed, presents hazards to those collecting it. The people of Zabaleen district in Cairo obtained an E-waste learning center through CID consulting in 2009. CID consulting is one of Egypt's leading entities in E-waste management. The purpose of the learning center is to offer young people a chance to earn money while learning about plastic and electronic waste recycling. The growing waste in electronics has become a booming business and helped to employ many people in Egypt. Recycling is a fascinating field for the inventive and the entrepreneur, a treasure trove of unique future possibilities for workers, factories, and even whole countries. With new technologies and green initiatives being pushed all the time, recycling even in third world countries has become possible and sustainable.

How can manufacturers reduce emissions on an industrial level? Industrial companies in the United States must figure out creative ways to stop emitting so much carbon dioxide when they produce their goods. Helping the environment helps everyone. And the companies don't have to spend more money. Their profits will remain high even if they pay more attention to their carbon dioxide emissions. The following changes will make the biggest difference on the emissions at the industrial level. Annual Direct Reporting Knowledge produces power. When the companies know how much carbon dioxide they emit, they know how much of it they can eliminate from their processes. A new law took effect in 2010 that now requires companies that emit more than 25,000 tons of carbon dioxide each year to report their numbers directly to the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA). This will allow companies to see how much they emit and take steps to reduce their emissions. It will also help the creation of future laws. Smarter Recycling Though recycling has increased greatly over the past 40 years, too much waste exists. People participate in recycling more now because most areas of the country feature recycling that sorts the materials for the people. Company-sorted recycling encourages more participation, but it also leads to more waste. Some products, such as paper, become contaminated during the recycling process. And some of that paper can't function as recycled material any longer. It's time for people to take charge and keep the items separate for recycling. NOx / CO Control Solutions Overall industrial greenhouse gas emission can be significantly reduced with the use of low-NOx/CO control solutions. The emissions produced by common industrial equipment and appliances, including boilers and gas turbines, can be lowered with emissions-reducing technology without increasing operating costs. A specialist from Nationwide Boiler says strict emission requirements can now be met without sacrificing performance and productivity, thanks to new emissions control technology. Simpler Piping Small companies can't benefit much from obvious solutions such as wind turbines and solar panels. But they can invest in straighter pipes. When water moves from one pipe to another, it needs a certain amount of power to do so. The water pump system uses a lot more energy to transfer the water through pipes that feature tons of twists and turns. Industrial companies can save a lot of power and emissions by simplifying their piping schemes inside warehouses and other facilities. Co-generation Many industrial sites could produce both heat and electricity at the same time if they chose to do so. This process, known as co-generation, can save plenty of carbon dioxide emissions. Industries such as oil refining, chemical synthesis, and steel making can benefit from co-generation. They only need recovery tubes and simple turbines to convert heat energy into electricity. The battle against carbon dioxide rages on. Emissions standards constantly change to reflect the growing concern over public health and the health of the environment. Some simple changes will make a great impact of industrial companies wish to initiate these important changes.

Depending on where one lives, cooling an indoor environment can cost as much or more than winter heating. On average, families spend hundreds of dollars to cool their homes. There are many different ways to cut cooling utility bills. However, the actual savings realized will also depend on individual climates. Bigger is Not Better Some feel that larger window or central air-conditioning units will not only make environments more comfortable but also save on expenses in the long run. In fact, units that are excessively large are less efficient. Over-sized appliances cool homes to the set-point before dehumidification takes place. Interior spaces then feel clammy and humid, which may encourage mold growth. Use Compact Fluorescent Light Bulbs Though more expensive initially, the durability of CFL bulbs save on lighting costs. Additionally, unlike incandescent or fluorescent tube lighting, these bulbs do not produce noticeable heat. Old-fashioned bulbs convert 90 percent of the electricity consumed into heat, which adds to cooling expenses. Programmable Thermostats Available in a number of options, styles and price, these easy to do-it-yourself upgrades pay for themselves in very little time. Consider setting cooling systems six or more degrees higher when not at home during the day or when sleeping at night. Keep the setting at around 78 degrees Fahrenheit when at home and during waking hours. This simple act can save monthly costs anywhere from five to 20 percent. Filter Maintenance Not unlike furnaces, air-conditioning filters require regular cleaning and changing. Cottonwood and similar trees drop seeds that could impede filter performance in outdoor units. Window units typically collect dust and other indoor debris. Dirty filters are one of the leading causes of AC malfunction and add approximately seven percent to cooling costs every year. Central and window units typically have removable filters behind the visible inlet grill that are easily cleaned with soap and water or changed. A specialist from One Hour Air Conditioning & Heating (West Pasco) says your air conditioner can last up to twice as long with proper maintenance. This means that skipping a tune-up or cleaning should never be an option—to get the most out of your cooling system, take care of it. Duct Maintenance In homes older than 10 years, duct joints can leak 20-30 percent of the air that passes through them, which adds to the cost of cooling. Check ducts that run through attics, basements and crawl spaces for escaping air. Joints are easily sealed using any number of available products. Also consider insulating duct work with products rated at R-6 or higher. When outdoor temperatures climb past the 95 degree mark or summer storms add humidity, indoor cooling becomes a necessity for many. By performing a few simple tasks, homeowners can cut expenses while staying comfortable.

These days it is possible to recycle plastic, but there are several different kinds of plastic, and they differ in some important respects. Some plastics are more likely to leach into the environment than are others. Some are more bio-degradable than others and some are simply safer to use. Plastic containers always have a symbol on the bottom. It's a triangle with a number in it. The number indicates the type of plastic used to make the container. There are seven kinds of plastics: 1) PETE or PET (Polyethylene Terephthalate) Plastic #1 is usually clear and used to make soda and water bottle, beer bottles, salad dressing bottles, peanut butter jars, and mouthwash bottles. It can be recycled as furniture, fleece, carpet, and tote bags. While many recycling programs accept it, it is known to let bacteria accumulate. 2) HDPE (High Density Polyethylene) Plastic #2 is generally opaque, and it is one of the three safest plastics to use. It tends not leach much. It is used to make milk jugs, shampoo bottles, juice bottles, butter tubs, and household cleaner containers. It can be recycled as pens, picnic tables, benches, fencing and lumber. Most curbside pickup recycling programs accept it. 3) V or PVC (Vinyl) Plastic #3 is used to make food wrap, detergent bottles, plumbing pipes, medical equipment, and shampoo bottles. It can be recycled as flooring, speed bumps, and decks. This plastic may still contain phthalates which have been linked to miscarriages and some birth defects. Plastic #3 also contains DEHA which can cause cancer after prolonged exposure. People should not burn or cook with this plastic. Curbside recycling programs usually won't accept it. 4) LDPE (Low Density Polyethylene) Plastic #4 is one of the three safest plastics to use. It is used to make shopping bags, clothing, squeezable bottles, bread bags, and carpet. It can be recycled into compost bins, floor tiles and paneling. Curbside recycling programs are starting to pick up this plastic. 5) PP (Polypropylene) Plastic #5 is one of the three safest plastics to use, and it is used to make yogurt containers, shampoo bottles and medicine bottles. It can be recycled into brooms, ice scrapers, signal lights and bicycle racks. Recycling programs increasingly accept it. 6) PS (Polystyrene) Plastic #6 is more commonly known as Styrofoam which is notoriously hard to recycle. It is therefore bad for the environment. It also leaches potentially dangerous chemicals, especially when heated. It is used to make egg cartons, meat trays and disposable plates and cups. Recycling programs usually don't accept it. 7) Miscellaneous Plastic #7 is a catch-all for any plastic that doesn't fit into the above six categories. It's a mixed bag, and some of the plastics in this group contain the chemical bisphenol-A (BPA) which has been linked to health problems like hyperactivity and infertility. It can be used to make sunglasses, nylon, and computer cases. It can be recycled into plastic lumber. It is usually best to avoid plastics as much as possible. But if using a plastic is necessary, it is best to choose Plastics #2, #4, or #5. Given the dangers associated with them, Plastics #1, #3, #6 and #7 should not be used or recycled. Informational Credit to Lakeshore Recycling

Oil spills are major environmental disasters. They can endanger wildlife, destroy ecosystems and cause serious economic damage to communities affected by them. The future of plants, animals and human beings would certainly be better if all future oil spills could be prevented. End Humanity’s Dependence on Fossil Fuels Perhaps the simplest way to end oil spills is to gradually reduce the need for oil drilling. Some headway has been made in this direction—hybrid cars that are partially powered by electricity are now available from all major auto manufacturers. Ethanol, which is created from corn, is also gaining popularity as an alternative fuel source. Overall, there are many benefits to ending dependence on oil beyond preventing oil spills. Independence from non-renewable energy sources should certainly be a goal that human civilization aims to achieve in the foreseeable future. Hold Oil Companies Accountable In a free market system, there need to be incentives for businesses to act. Without financial incentive, negligence and pollution become commonplace. This is why holding oil companies financially accountable is absolutely necessary for spill prevention. If oil spills can irreparably harm their profits, companies in the industry will be sure to guarantee they do not happen. Financial punishments can either come from government fines or though the civil court system—either way, the financial punishments must be massive to match the massive profits of these oil companies. Monitor Oil Drilling Near At-Risk Ecosystems Another way to fight oil spills is to thoroughly monitor companies drilling for oil near ecosystems that are most at risk for being harmed by a spill. This, of course, requires action from the government. While it is unlikely that all unsafe oil drilling could be stopped this way, petitioning the government to have drilling activities monitored in areas where they could do the most harm is an excellent idea. Keeping Equipment in Good Shape One of the best ways to prevent accidents and disasters, in any industry, is to ensure all equipment is well-maintained and kept in optimal condition. This is also true for any storage containers used, especially the barrels and drums of the oil industry. A specialist from Powerblanket says barrel storage can be difficult for any material that isn’t extremely shelf-stable, meaning oil companies should take great care to prevent any possible damage as a result of inadequate storage. 4. Be More Vigilant Overall, oil spills happen due to negligence—they are not created on purpose (with a few historical exceptions). If those responsible for safe drilling would have been more vigilant in their efforts to prevent oil spills, most major spills on record may have been prevented. This should even be the case for regular citizens. While a minor spill originating from the tank of a fishing boat will not have as big of an effect as an industrial-sized spill, it can still pollute the environment. Oil spills can ruin an ecosystem for plants and animals for generations. We owe it to the environment to try to ensure that another major oil spill does not happen.

In the U.S., mineral rights may be sold separately from property rights. This means that, as a property owner, you may not necessarily own the rights to extract or use any minerals discovered beneath your property. If oil, natural gas or other valuable minerals have been discovered in your area, it's important to understand your rights and what you can do. Understanding Mineral Rights Mineral rights refers to the rights to any mineral found below the surface, including oil, natural gas, gold, and copper. A mineral owner has the right to extract and use the minerals found below the surface of the land. In some cases, a mineral rights transfer grants rights to specific minerals, such as oil only, but it may include all minerals under the ground. In the United States, mineral rights are included automatically when legal title to the land is transferred, unless ownership is at some point separated. A land owner can separate the mineral rights from the land by selling or transferring the land but retaining mineral rights, selling the rights but retaining the land, or selling the rights to one person and the land to another. After the rights are separated, each sale of the property includes just the land. Does it Always Matter Who Owns the Rights? Many homeowners are surprised when they discover that they do not actually own the mineral rights on their property. In many cases, though, property owners have no need to find out if they own the mineral rights. This is because removing minerals is very expensive and potentially damaging to the property. Property owners who live in areas without historic coal mining, oil or gas drilling, or mineral extraction typically do not need to worry about mineral ownership, as it's unlikely there are many minerals under the land. Because United States law usually prohibits a mineral rights owner from damaging or affecting the use of homes or property on the land, property owners in cities or areas with many structures on small plots of land usually have no need to worry about who owns the mineral rights. Who owns the mineral rights to the land does become a concern in areas where mineral extraction is typical. Property owners who do not own the mineral rights in an area where natural gas drilling or mining is common may one day hear from the mineral owner. What Rights Does the Mineral Owner Have The mineral owner has the right to remove the minerals from the land without obtaining permission from the land owner, or surface owner. These rights usually include the right to use the surface land to access and mine the minerals, which may include excavating a mine or drilling a well. The mineral rights holder can also build improvements such as roadways. The owner of the rights can also lease these rights to extract minerals and then receive income. In some cases, the rights of the mineral owner are restriction. There may be a time limit on how long the excavation or drilling can last. Many state and local laws also regulate mineral extraction to reduce the impact on the environment and protect the land owner from side effects of the operations. What You Can Do As a Property Owner If you do own the mineral rights and you are contacted to buy the mineral rights, you may be offered a lease agreement, which typically gives you a small down payment and then monthly royalty payments based on the value of the minerals produced. If you are contacted about mineral extraction on your property, it's advisable to seek advice from a mineral rights attorney. This is a very complex area of law, and there may be restrictions on the surface use of the land by the mineral rights owner. An experienced attorney can help you determine who truly owns the mineral rights by tracing deeds back to the first conveyance. If someone is claiming a valid ownership right to the minerals, a specialist from Doré Law Group says you may want to discuss ways to minimize the negative effects of the extraction operations on your property. Mineral rights is a very complicated area of law. While most property owners never need to know who owns the rights to minerals under their land, this information is important if there is a chance valuable minerals can be discovered and extracted. You can learn more about your rights as the property owner by consulting with an attorney experienced in natural resources law.

It doesn't matter if you want modern, sleek decor or you'd much prefer the shabby-chic look; upcycling can result in treasured pieces you customize to fit your taste. The following is a list of ways to convert trash materials or worn-out chairs, into works of art. Decoupaging an Old Chair's Surface To update a chair that's nothing but an eyesore, gather up newspaper and magazine clippings, multicolored tissue paper, or scraps of fabric leftovers from a recent project. Apply them to the chair's surface using either decoupage glue, or lacquer from a nearby craft store and set aside to dry. Reupholstering Dingy or Torn Seats To fix rips, outdated patterns, or unattractive sun fading, simply reupholster all the tired padding. Quilting is an easy way to upcycle leftover fabric into seating that makes a statement. Crafty people could also use duct tape in varying designs to cover over ugly padding. Turning Home Improvement Leftovers into Conversation Starters Did you recently have a custom home builder in Regina revamp your bathroom or kitchen? You can upcycle the items that were replaced into eye-catching seating that is sure to turn some heads. Cut the side out of a claw-footed tub and modify it into a cozy reading nook. Using Old Chairs to make a Fashionable Bench When you want to get rid of an old patio set, consider turning the chairs into a bench instead. Line up two or three and use a shipping pallet to create a seating area that joins them all together in a cohesive way. Alternatively, you could line up four or five pieces of plywood in a row to achieve the same effect. Converting an Old Trunk into a Loveseat Modify the lid of an old trunk so it permanently sits at a 90-degree angle with the bottom half. Add upholstery to the hollow areas in the top and bottom sections for a comfortable seat and back rest. Attach four wooden legs to raise it off the ground. Relying on Old Accessories Gather up the family's old belts and weave them in and out of each other to create new upholstery. This can also be done with strips of cloth from old clothing items as well. Upcycling is a fantastic way to refurnish a home and add a decorative touch while also getting rid of useless junk you might have just lying around. The possibilities are as endless as your miscellaneous materials and imagination.

Typical office furniture, carpets, and bad lighting make for a toxic and uncomfortable atmosphere that's unfriendly to your health and the environment. Here are some ways to green it up. Up-cycle Natural Furniture Exchanging a particle board desk full of toxic glues and chemicals for a solid wood desk helps both you and the environment. Search second hand furniture stores and garage sales for great deals. While you're looking for a great desk, search for a comfortable chair made of natural materials. Then donate your old desk and chair to your local thrift store or put an ad online or in your local paper for someone to take off your hands for free. An expert from Lakeshore Recycling says keeping reusable items in use rather than throwing them out can help reduce landfill waste. If your furniture is damaged beyond reuse, find a recycling service to properly dispose of it. Add Plants Adding common houseplants to your office can have many benefits including better air quality, keeping us connected to nature, and remembering to let in the sunlight. Some houseplants, such as the heart leaf philodendron and the spider plant are easy to grow and can actually help remove toxins from the air. Whichever houseplant you choose, make sure it is appropriate for your lighting and temperature conditions in your office. You will also need to make sure it receives the appropriate amount of water or buy a small automatic waterer. Put Down a Rug Covering industrial grade carpet with a natural cotton or jute rug will cut down on the toxins being released from the carpeting. Not to mention it will give your office a more approachable feel. Search thrift and second hand stores first to see if you can find one in good condition. Shoot for Zero Waste Recycle everything possible from paper waste to office equipment. A little research will go a long way. If your local second hand stores won't accept donations of your outdated computers, printers, and fax machines, find a nearby recycling center that will take them for free. Make sure everyone in your office is on board to sort their recyclables in their respective bins and work towards eliminating garbage bins altogether. Greening up your office doesn't have to be expensive or feel like a chore. You might even find you save money by up-cycling furniture and computer equipment. You'll find your health and the health of everyone around you improving, which will increase productivity and cut down on sick days. By changing a few daily habits and exchanging a few pieces of furniture, you'll be on your way to saving our environment.

Protecting the environment and fighting pollution and global warming requires action from people at all levels of society, especially homeowners. For those trying to make their home more sustainable, there’s one way to help the environment you may not have considered before—by purchasing environmentally-friendly furniture. Furniture Made from Reclaimed Wood To help the environment, you don’t have to actually avoid furniture made from wood. What you should be trying to do instead is not contribute to more forests being cleared to create more wood. One way to do this is by purchasing furniture made from reclaimed wood. Reclaimed wood is wood that was previously used for another purpose and was going to go to waste. One large source of reclaimed wood is condemned buildings that are on schedule to be demolished. The wood retrieved from such buildings can then be used to make things like tables, bed frames, chairs and more. Furniture Made from Other Recycled Materials Recycled furniture, however, does not need to stop at reclaimed wood. Furniture can be made out of nearly any material that can be recycled. For example, stylish lounge chairs can be made out of recycled plastic. Recycled metal can be used to create a stunning dining room table. Even the rubber from tires can be repurposed into furniture. Wicker Furniture Alternatively, you could choose furniture not made from wood but from other sustainable materials that do not create pollution. One excellent choice is wicker. Wicker furniture doesn’t require cutting down trees. Instead, it’s created from the weaving of branches, vines or grass into a pattern. The material used is simply weaved around a frame that creates a piece of furniture such as a chair, table or bench. Common materials that are used in wicker furniture include bamboo, willow, rattan and reed, which can all be grown sustainably without negatively impacting the environment. Beautiful wicker furniture is available through special deals from Design Furnishings and will enhance the look of your home without adding to your environmental impact. Sustainable Wood Lastly, there is the possibility of using furniture that is created form trees grown to be chopped down and made into furniture. However, this wood should be grown in a way that is a sustainable. This includes wood taken from tree farms or forests that have been certified as sustainable sources of harvested wood. Just make sure to confirm for sure whether or not the wood was grown sustainably before purchasing this kind of furniture. Overall, finding furniture that does not contribute to the clearing of forests or pollution is much easier than you think. All it requires is searching a little harder and performing the proper research to confirm whether or not a piece of furniture is environmentally friendly.

Some natural resources, like minerals, are consumed despite the imminent danger of being completely depleted. Other materials cost a lot in terms of labor, energy, and raw materials to produce. Recycling can be an enormous help when it comes to limiting scarcity, saving energy, and protecting the environment. Unfortunately, not everything can be recycled—some materials need special handling or should simply be properly disposed of via mainstream methods Always Recycle Aluminum Aluminum costs a lot of energy to produce from ore, and recycling is a great way to save energy and reduce dependence on environmentally-damaging mining. Aluminum can be recycled virtually endlessly, and can go from being in a recycling bin to a store's shelf in as little as two months. Electronics Electronics use rare metals in their manufacture, including gold. Not only are they pricey and in high demand, they're also usually obtained by mining. Recycling electronics and old CDs, DVDs, and Video games with services like www.decluttr.com helps keep them out of landfills while reducing the environmental impact of their production. Paper Paper can be recycled, with a few caveats. Many facilities won't take waxed cardboard, magazines, or paper that's been exposed to water. Regular, matte, untreated paper should be recycled to help reduce deforestation. Glass Glass, like aluminum, can be recycled perpetually. However, glass that is contaminated with food, ceramic materials, borosilicate glass (Pyrex), mirrors, and crystal, among other types, should not be placed in a recycling bin. Don’t Always Recycle Aerosol Cans, Batteries & Lightbulbs Even though their outsides may be made of materials that should be recycled, their contents are what causes a problem-- they are often considered hazardous material, and shouldn't go into a recycling bin. Some facilities may take these items, while others may not. Contact yours to see what their regulations are. Some Plastics While many plastics can and should be recycled, not all of them fall under that category. If a plastic container is not coded for recycling, it shouldn't be put into a recycling bin. This includes caps-- even if a container is recyclable, the cap may not be. In many cases, items that can't be placed in a curbside bin can still be recycled. Contact your local recycling plant to see if they'll accept your items, and to get any special handling or disposal instructions to make sure your waste is treated as safely, cleanly, and sustainably as possible.

The steady increase in levels of carbon dioxide in the atmosphere is a concern for everyone due to global warming and ocean water pollution. Global warming is changing climate patterns worldwide, leading to changes in food production and lifestyles for the population. Today, researchers are trying to find viable ways for United States’ industries and private individuals to reduce carbon dioxide emissions to protect the environment from additional pollution. Reducing Coal Usage Reducing the use of coal in homes, businesses and manufacturing plants is an important way to reduce carbon dioxide emissions. Not only will burning coal and its derivatives lead to an increase of carbon dioxide in the air, obtaining the fuel and converting it to useable energy damages the atmosphere. Agencies of the United States that regulate digging and using coal can provide incentives for mining companies to find safer fuel options. Creating Better Equipment There are ways to create better equipment that removes carbon dioxide from gas emissions at factories to avoid polluting the environment. Experts can also design systems that clean emissions to remove carbon dioxide gasses to prevent the greenhouse effect. To encourage manufacturing plants to upgrade to new machinery that does not emit carbon dioxide or helps to remove the gases, the United States government can offer tax incentives to reduce the financial burden of adopting new technologies. Offer Incentives to Homeowners Making it easier for homeowners to make changes to their home to reduce carbon dioxide emissions is also vital. A major source of carbon dioxide in the atmosphere is climate control that includes using fuel operated cooling and heating equipment. To reduce the amount of fuel required to keep a home at a comfortable temperature, homeowners can add insulation to walls and attics or place solar panels on a roof. Making it less expensive for homeowners to make changes to a home to reduce energy consumption and carbon dioxide emissions is essential. Additional Viable Ways to Reduce Carbon Dioxide Emissions in the United States It is also important for the public to have easy access to everyday energy saving devices such as public transportation, hybrid vehicles and compact fluorescent lightbulbs. All of these items are great ways for private individuals to make an impact on the reduction of carbon dioxide to prevent environmental pollution along with avoiding the greenhouse effect. Many people have already begun to make changes in their homes and businesses, leading to cleaner air. Informational Credit to Nationwide Boiler

Humans have, for quite some time now, enjoyed a cozy spot on top of the food chain. Cockroaches may love the human monarchy, but whitetail deer, longleaf pines, Pacific salmon and other exploited species have suffered greatly as a result of it. Thankfully, humanity has started to take its stewardship of the earth more seriously. The following are some of the ways people around the world are taking steps to make large-scale sustainability a reality. BMW i3 Carbon Fiber Manufacturing Ten times as strong as mild steel and half as heavy, carbon fiber was once a super-material reserved for NASA and oil sheiks. BMW intends to change that. The $42,000 BMW i3 has 45 pieces of carbon fiber-reinforced plastic (CFRP) components, pieces produced in America and molded in Germany. The i3 is the first mass-produced car to extensively use carbon fiber. The goal? BMW hopes to reduce the lifetime carbon footprint of the i3 by one-third. Mirai Indoor Urban Farm In an abandoned Sony factory in Miyagi Prefecture, Japan, thousands of LED lights cultivate 25,000 square feet of indoor gardens. The Mirai farm produces 10,000 heads of lettuce daily, all the while boasting 90 percent less waste than a traditional outdoor farm. All water used is collected, filtered, and reused. A specialist from Terminal City Iron Works Ltd., a member of the American Water Works Association, says this could greatly reduce agriculture wastewater in the future. Mirai has plans to expand into Hong Kong and Russia as long as local electrical grids can deliver reliable power. New York City Cool Roof Program On a sunny July afternoon, an asphalt or modified bitumen roof can sizzle at 150-175 degrees Fahrenheit. The heat leaches into the building, demanding energy for air conditioning and creating urban "heat islands." Air pollution and insect populations skyrocket. So in 2010, New York City launched a cool roof program, where hundreds of roofs were slathered with white, reflective coatings. The city movement soon spread to Pittsburgh, Sacramento and other cities nationwide. Zohar Land-Based Fishery Dr. Yonathan Zohar, a scientist at the University of Maryland’s Department of Marine Biotechnology, broke new ground (or water) with his warehouse fishery. He designed a land-based aquaculture system where fish predictably reproduce, inspired by controlled environmental cues like varying salinity, lighting and temperature. The fish breed free from pathogens and invasive species. Animal waste is filtered through microbial communities generating only methane, a potential biofuel. "I'm a strong believer that in 20 years from now, most seafood will be grown on land," Zohar says. "It can go to the Midwest; it can go into the inner city; it can go wherever." Large-scale sustainable invention is everywhere: the garden rooftops of Chicago, the city-wide composting programs of New York City, the mass transit systems of Houston. Where can you find it?

Energy efficiency is probably the most important thing that can be done to improve life, now and in the future. Efficiently using energy not only saves money for each household, but improves the country, the world and the quality of life for everyone. There are many simple ways to conserve energy in homes and businesses with far-reaching benefits. Save Money in Homes and Businesses Saving money could be the most motivating reason to conserve energy. Homes and businesses alike benefit from simple changes, such as replacing light bulbs with LED, CFLs or halogen bulbs. Proper insulation, sealing air leaks and installing a programmable thermostat saves on heating and cooling needs. Changing or cleaning air filters lets air flow more easily through a home or business, reducing the system’s need for energy. Blanketing the water heaters will retain the heat, and reducing the temperature to 120 degrees Fahrenheit saves on heating the water. Electronics can sap energy so buying Energy Star labeled computers and appliances saves power, and using power strips makes it easy to turn off all devices at once when not in use. A specialist from Retro Teck Window recommends that homeowners do their part by choosing energy-efficient fixtures and materials for use in the home. Energy can be conserved with Energy Star-rated windows and doors, while less can be consumed overall with low-flow plumbing fixtures and eco-friendly appliances. An Improved Economy Energy efficiency not only saves money in homes and businesses, it improves the economy by saving on city, state and federal government expenditures. Projects aimed at energy efficiency created over 830,000 jobs in the US in 2010. Innovations are spurred on by demand for energy conserving products. For example, when new standards for light bulb efficiency were required in 2012, new money saving lighting products appeared, from the dimmable candelabra CFLs to LED streetlights. Improved Environment and Quality of Life Pollution is terrible for air quality and health. Emission production of greenhouse gases ranges from cars to power plants. Less of these noxious fumes makes all our lives more pleasant and enjoyable. Cities with rail transportation, especially electric rail, make getting around quicker and easier while saving energy and fuel. The decrease in emissions caused by accessible and efficient public transportation improves both the health of the local inhabitants and the environment around the city. These money saving devices and simple actions can be done without sacrificing use or power and will greatly improve the environment. Energy efficiency allows people to do more and use less energy at the same time while saving money, improving the environment and quality of life for generations to come.

Saying that the e-waste or electronic recycling industry is the same on Main Street, USA as it is in the Asian market, is a huge erroneous statement if there ever was one. The post below covers how the growing Asian market is handling the matter of e-waste, and what we can all do individually to tackle this growing problem on a bigger scale. One Township In Illinois One case in point is the Orland Township in Illinois. What was once a thriving enterprise of volunteers loading up TV consoles, computers, and other electronic devices for recycling efforts, has now shut down and much due to its own success. After more than 500,000 pounds of items were recycled on an annual basis, recyclers decided to start charging the Township per pound. Evidently, this was not a good fiscal move for Orland, and the center was closed. (1) On The Other Side of The Pond... Meanwhile, the Asian-Pacific region takes the largest share in electronic waste management being followed by the European sector. If one considers trashed e-waste as opposed to just plain recycled e-waste, the trash takes the largest chunk of the market. In total, the global volume of e-waste amassed to 57.7 million tons in 2013 as recycling centers continue to flourish for this Asian market sector. Some Startling Facts According to the Environment Protection Agency (EPA), electronic waste is now the fastest-growing municipal waste issue confronting state and local governments. The average U.S. household has a minimum of 24 electronic devices. Of that amount, most statistics show only 15 to 25 percent of our e-waste as actually being recycled. (2) How Some US Communities Handle E-Waste For some communities such as Orland Township, the e-waste recycling business has almost come to a halt. For others, is it a thriving industry with more recycling centers being added to the landscape all the time. Regardless of where you live, solutions must be given. One possible short-term solution is found in forcing manufacturers to shoulder the cost of recycling their e-products. Another short-term solution given by General Recycling Industries Ltd, an Edmonton recycling center. They explore giving affordable recycling pick up and bin services to communities all over Canada. (3) However, everyone doing their bit of purposeful re-purposing before the recycling process is perhaps the best solution of all... The Cristina Foundation focuses on people with disabilities, at-risk students and those at or below the poverty-level by donating one's electronic discards through several other umbrella organizations Local churches and charities many times take older cellphones, computers and printers Some cellphone carriers accept your old piece as a trade-in for a newer model or upgrade Gazelle.com and Cellularrecycler.com buy older phones/computers. A community's municipal website may list structured e-waste recycling programs with drop-off points. Simply following through on these steps mentioned above goes a long way to help keep our planet green. Whatever your community or you decide to do to help eliminate e-waste, be certain to first wipe personal data clean from the hard drives and cellphones. (1) http://www.chicagotribune.com/suburbs/daily-southtown/news/ct-sta-electronic-recycling-st-0210-20150209-story.html#page=1 (2) http://www.epa.gov/ (3) http://www.generalrecycling.com/recycling_services.html

Using sod or other earthen building materials to construct a shelter is a set of techniques that goes back millennia. It has also appeared in many countries and regions including Africa, Europe, the Middle East, China and India. Historical Sod Building Icelanders are especially known for their skill in building sod houses, which they generally covered with a cob roof. The Icelanders quickly realized that sod, which was easier to find than wood, could be more durable than stone, when used correctly. Native American tribes in the Southwest also built shelters made of sod, as did later settlers in the region. The Homestead Act of 1862 gave settlers lots of cheap land, which means they had plenty of turf to work with. Many North American pioneers made bricks out of the sod, which was so dense it was hard to cut. That density made it a strong, durable building material. Like Iceland, the Southwest had little in the way of trees, so settlers had to use something else for building materials. Sod was readily available and had the added advantage of superior insulation. A sod house kept people warm in the winter and hot in the summer. Building Techniques/Materials Cob is a building material that can be made from sand, earth, clay, water, and some kind of fibrous or organic material, like straw. Cob has been used in dwellings all over the world. The mixture would be ladled onto a stone foundation is layers. Workers would compress the cob by walking on it. Cob houses date back to prehistoric times and are still built today. Rammed earth is a building technique for constructing walls. The builders make a damp mixture of earth, gravel, clay and sand and pour it into a mold or frame. Cement, asphalt or lime is added to the mix as a stabilizer. The material is then compressed, either by hand or with a machine. When the wall is dry, the frame is removed. Sod or turf typically consists of tough grass that has a very thick root structure. Typically, the sod is cut out of the earth is strips and then piled on top of each other to form walls. Sod houses are inexpensive but can be vulnerable to rain damage. Wattle and daub is another ancient technique that dates back 6000 years. It involves making a lattice out of wood strips called a wattle and then filling it in with the daub, a sticky glop made form a combination of any of the following: sand, soil, clay, straw or animal dung. Advantages of Sod Housing Sod and other earthen buildings have a number of advantages. They are comparatively cheap and easy to build. An expert from a local sod company in Atlanta says a well-built sod home can last for years before needing repairs. Although flooding danger can be a problem in some cases, earthen buildings are fire-proof or at least fire-resistant. The walls can be around two feet thick and are therefore strong and durable. They can resist insects and earthquakes and can hypothetically last for generations. Environmental Benefits In the 80's and 90's, as people became more concerned about their impact on the environment, sod and earthen houses became popular once again. These are the perfect “green” buildings--sod houses don't contribute to pollution or deforestation caused by the manufacture of building materials. Nobody has to mine for the materials used in the structure and no power tools are required to complete the frame. Building materials that come from factories are often treated with harsh chemicals, while sod is not. The materials all have local origins; nothing is imported from thousands of miles away, which saves on transportation and fuel costs. Sod and other earthen buildings have their advantages. They may be considered somewhat exotic in wealthy nations, but they are actually very common in developing countries because the materials used are both cheap and readily available. For builders on a budget looking for inexpensive, sustainable building materials, sod and earth bricks are some of the best out there.

Using water efficiently is always important, but doing so becomes vital during a drought. Every year, some part of North America experiences a drought. In 2012, drought struck 65 percent of the country. California has been in the throes of a drought for several years. Obey all Water Restrictions During a drought, the water utility or some other regional authority is going to impose restrictions on water use in order to conserve water. Such rules are likely to include watering the garden and/or lawn only during certain times of the day, not washing your car and so forth. The rules are intended to insure that there is enough water available to fight fires and perform other vital functions that help everybody. They will be lifted when the drought ends. Check For Leaks An easy way to conserve water during a drought is to make sure all the plumbing in your house or apartment is working properly. A specialist from Always Plumbing & Heating says a leaky faucet or cracked pipe can waste a lot of water, so if you find you’re using more than you intend, check around the house for even the smallest of leaks. Upgrade Your Fixtures If you have the money, renovating the bathroom or kitchen may prove to be a good investment. The EPA has established a program called WaterSense to help people find products and services that conserve water. To earn the WaterSense label, which looks like a blue water drop overlaid with a green leaf, a service or product must be at least 20 percent more efficient at using water without sacrificing performance. WaterSense products include toilets, showerheads, and faucets. In some states, it's possible to get a rebate for buying a WaterSense product. Make Your Garden and Lawn More Drought-Resistant As the water utility will impose restrictions on watering lawns or gardens, getting plants that can tolerate arid conditions will make abiding by the rules less onerous. The EPA recommends choosing native plants for any new landscaping, for they will be accustomed to the climate and need less fertilizer than exotic plants will. Native plants are also more resistant to local pests or diseases than are non-natives. Plant Less Grass Grass generally needs more water than many other plants. Consequently, properties with big lawns use more water than do properties covered with a variety of other plants. Use grass only for areas like a playground where it has a useful purpose and plant groundcovers elsewhere. Choose native or drought-resistant grasses. Some of the above techniques are simple and inexpensive, while others will take more effort and/or money. But they will all save water and money over the long haul.

The green trend is spreading across the globe, as our world continues to change and feel the consequences of modern life. More and more people are realizing the benefits of less harmful products, including the pesticides that protect many of our foods. Numerous companies are investing in this trend because people continue to buy the eco-friendly goods deemed less harmful for human consumption. Due to the sensitivity many people have expressed over concern for their environment, more natural pesticides are becoming favorable and demand is increasing worldwide. Organic pesticides are harmless to the environment, while also being free of other harmful components for human consumption. Here is how the science of organic pesticides are changing. Green Chemistry Green chemistry allows for the engineering of products without excessive amounts of hazardous substances. For example, chemical equations are being altered so as to make harmless water the byproduct of many chemical reactions instead of harsh chemicals such as ammonia. Synthetic Chemicals Synthetic chemicals tend to make up most of the common pesticides used in food production across the world. However, it is difficult to regulate these man-made chemicals, an alarming concept for consumers. Government regulations are beginning to encourage the production of products that use green chemicals instead of synthetic, allowing the consumer to better understand these chemicals and make informed decisions about what they are purchasing. Methods Used to Make Chemicals More Green Chemicals are becoming more green in many ways. Reducing formaldehyde, eliminating ozone-depleting gases, and developing sustainable methods for the production of less harmful chemicals are all practices that are being explored by scientists in order to make the world a safer place for both humans and the environment in which they live. By reducing the effects of creating chemicals, pesticides are becoming more green, and reducing and eliminating the harmful byproducts of the chemical processes that go into the traditional method of creating pesticides are making these chemical compounds safer. Both through individual effort and the efforts of those who battling to protect the earth, along with governments around the world, green pesticides are becoming more and more common, creating a safer environment. Even in local businesses, pest removal is becoming less harmful and more humane. ICE Pest Control and Wildlife Removal, a pest control company based in Toronto, says they are always working on natural ways of removing dangerous animals and insects. Everywhere, more and more companies are doing more to fix the problems associated with harmful chemicals and sprays. Organic pesticides are one way of creating a more sound environment for consumers interested in a more natural and green way of life. These pesticides contain no GMOs, added chemical compounds or colorants. The result is a safe, natural, and green product that continues to protect crops as traditional pesticides have before. By using up-to-date equipment and experts in the related fields, research is always expanding and developing new methods to attain these green chemicals.

Being eco-friendly and caring for the environment is becoming more and more trendy as people begin to realize not only the necessity of conserving natural resources, but also that eco-friendly practices can often save money in the long run. This is especially true when it comes to building a new home. There are tons of new building materials on the market that are eco-friendly and efficient! Here are the top five. Recycled Steel Instead of cutting down trees and destroying the forests, many builders are choosing to use recycled steel, often made from scraped cars, instead. There are companies that can make custom beams based on the blueprints of the new house, and best of all, constructing a home out of steel makes it incredibly strong and is perfect for areas that are prone to high winds or earthquakes. Recycled Wood/Plastic Composite Lumber Sticking with the recycling theme, this product combines recycled plastics with wood fibers to create a strong, pliable building material that is less prone to rot and less toxic than typical chemically-treated wood lumber. Cool Roofing A blazing hot summer day and a black roof means one thing: high air conditioning costs. Thus, it makes good sense to use cool roofing materials that are light-colored and reflective to beat the heat. However, if a light-colored roof doesn't please you aesthetically, new materials are hitting the market which are reflective and darker colored. A specialist from Century Roofing Ltd says a recyclable metal roof can be an excellent green option, as it will last for years before being reused. Straw Bales Straw is actually the stalks of grains like wheat, oats, and barley. This by-product has no nutritional value to livestock, but it does have a great insulation value for building homes. When baled, it is easily stackable and bonds nicely to stucco and plaster walls. Earth The ultimate renewable resource, the dirt from the Earth, also known as adobe, is free and abundant! While it may be harder to find a skilled craftsman who knows how to build a home out of adobe in the United States, countries around the world have been using adobe for centuries. They have long understood that this resource has a great thermal mass and allows for visually appealing homes. Using any of these eco-friendly home building materials, whether it be recycled steel, recycled wood/plastic composite lumber, cool roofing, straw bales, or earth, can help save the only planet we have. Plus, many of these products create energy-efficient buildings that will save on utility bills for years to come.

As the State of Pennsylvania continues to battle with various oil drilling companies regarding environmental violations, fracking sits at the top of list. Comparing the elemental damages to the amount of these proposed fines may mirror a lopsided playing field of sorts. Proponents of the fracking phenomena apparently see nothing wrong with polluting the groundwater contained in nearby streams via mishandled wastewater, thus killing off seemingly countless schools of fish, and rendering otherwise healthy water supplies undrinkable. Many of those who oppose these fracking methods may have stronger legal legs to stand on, as the practice itself has gained some notorious national attention. The fracking (aka fracturing) process is designed to extract fossil-based energy sources that lie deep beneath the earth’s surface. Drilling is one thing, yet injecting toxic chemicals into the core in order to hit pay-dirt is another. The increased risk of chemical leakage is now clear and present, as literally thousands of drinking water contamination complaints have been filed against subsidiary drilling companies that actually have legal permits to use the Marcellus Shale drilling site; one case in particular involves felony criminal charges that are still pending. Exxon Mobil Corporation District Judge James G. Carn ruled that each of the eight charges recently filed against the oil giant were all valid enough to warrant criminal proceedings. Two of these charges included violating the state’s Clean Streams Law and the Solid Waste Management Act. Exxon Mobil is chiefly being accused of wastewater tank tampering; the removal of a plug from one of their refuse receptacles resulted in 57,000 gallons of the liquid seeping into the soil and subsequently causing harm to local residents and the surrounding strata. Contesting these charges, Exxon Mobil representatives asserted that the spill had “…no lasting environmental impact.” Range Resources The Pennsylvania Dept. of Environmental Protection (DEP) fined the Texas-based gas and oil company $4.15 million for employing the same illegal practices used by Exxon Mobil, all of which took place between 2009 and 2014. Range Resources repeatedly violated a number of the state’s environmental protection laws, yet the mishandling of wastewater topped the list of many fracking infractions committed at the very same Marcellus Shale drilling site. Even though the imposed fine is the largest in Pennsylvania DEP history, the profits made from these extractions heavily outweigh the penalty amount, which may simply be the price of doing business for big oil. These two incidents are merely a drop in the bucket when it comes to the fracking boom and its latent functions. Exxon Mobil is the first company to face criminal charges, which may turn out to be a benchmark case to be used as precedent for future criminal fracking violations. Hopefully future companies can learn from their example, and the example of good green practicing companies like Great Canadian which does green roofing in Edmonton. The future will be brighter when businesses can raise the standard of their practices and incorporate more beneficial green works.

The short answer to the question, "Does the public have the right to protect its environment?" is a resounding yes. The efforts and the misfortune of people and their communities who experienced problems in Love Canal, New York and Hinkley, California near the end of the 20th century prompted the US Congress to pass specific laws that created specific rights for individuals and communities to ensure the public has access to both resources and recourse if there are dangers present. Exercising your Rights The key to exercising your environmental rights is to have an awareness of which resources are available to you and your community. That is normally accomplished by either approaching NGOs that focus on the environment and act as umbrella organizations for community efforts or working within your rights directly as a citizen and accessing government agencies and information provided by them. Environmental advocate Timothy G. Mara says citizens have every right to oppose threats to their environment and community. The right to protect one’s community can be asserted through the use of proper legal channels and persistent activism. Non-Governmental Organizations Although there are many advocacy groups for various rights, environmental organizations that exist solely to ameliorate specific complaints about the local environment are few and far between. One of the best ways to get connected with a regional or local group is to contact a well-known organization that works on behalf of your community. Greenpeace and The Southern Environmental Law Center are two examples of advocates that may be able to point you in the right direction, depending upon your need. You might also find it worthwhile to ask the local community college about references for building your own issue-oriented community advocacy group. Government Support The Environmental Protection Agency has long been a consumer advocate when it comes to monitoring and regulating environmental compliance vis-a-vis US environmental law. If you find that there is a violation or suspect one within your community, looking at their website will not only show you what your rights are, it will also provide you with information on actions that you can take—this is normally quite useful to the majority of people visiting. A lot of their focus has to do with the quality of the environment remaining in compliance with existing federal law. Online Resources There are a variety of online resources available that can help you to understand better the threat facing your community. To start with, all facilities that use chemicals or toxic substances in their manufacturing processes in your area are required to file MSDS or material safety data sheets with the government. You can access those sheets to find out what is being stored locally and may be contributing to the problem. You can also cross-reference what each substance might be doing to the environment by looking in the EPA Tri database. Overall, if you are concerned about a threat to your community environment, there are a lot of options available to you. Spending the time to organize a movement that will enforce your rights as a protector of your environment is never a waste.